Ban on Sunday alcohol sales makes little sense

Published 4:58 pm, Tuesday, February 16, 2010

I find it amusing that the most adamant objector to Sunday alcohol sales is the Capitol lobbyist for Connecticut Package Stores Association, Carroll Hughes. Ms. Hughes suggests that Sunday sales would increase "street drinking" (evidently a big problem on these cold, snowy nights), and could lead to an increase in automobile accidents.

Really? So driving all the way to New York causes fewer accidents (not to mention those who can't resist having that first beer on the long drive home)? Or driving home after drinking in a bar is less dangerous than having a beer while watching the game in the safety of your own home? It sounds like you feel the package stores you represent should be closed seven days a week.

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The reality here is that allowing package stores to open on Sundays does not mean they are required to open on Sundays. It just gives them the option. For instance, some liquor stores choose to close at 8 p.m., despite the recent change in the law which allows them to remain open until 9.

As for store owners who feel they will lose sales by not opening on Sunday, well, I hate to break it to you, but you already are losing those sales. But at least you would have the choice.